883
AutoMall News

Showing Page- 1 of 177

Content Disclaimer

The News may contain news and other articles that have been sourced from newspapers, magazines and third party web sites. The sources of all such articles have been named and clearly indicated in appropriate places. Except for rights that have been expressly granted to automallindia by the respective authors/ publishers of such articles, automallindia does not claim any other rights in such articles, including copyrights and other intellectual property rights. Such articles have been published on the Web Site for information purposes only and automallindia disclaims any and all liability in connection therewith.

With the launch of the highly anticipated TVS Apache RR 310S right around the corner, more spy images have given us a closer look at the bike.

There’s no denying that the TVS Apache RR 310S, formerly known as the Akula 310 in concept form, is one of the most highly anticipated motorcycles of 2017. Spy images of test bikes have been flowing in since September last year, almost making us believe that TVS is more than happy to fuel the hype train. Surprisingly, images of the near-final production version reveal that not too many things have been drastically altered from the concept that was shown off at Auto Expo 2016. And as more spy images come in, it just leads us to confirm exactly how the RR 310S will be equipped once it rolls out.

These new images again show the bike wearing manufacturer camouflage. However, previous un-camouflaged shots have shown the bike painted in a lovely solid blue shade, reminiscent of Suzuki, without any decals to speak of. However, since it was devoid of any badging, we can assume that we’ll see the graphics only in the final production version of the bike. That being said, as witnessed on the Apache RTRs, TVS has solid paint work over too many graphics and it’s very likely that this aesthetic will be carried over on the Apache RR 310S.

The fuel tank seems quite tall and muscular, and the front fairing also gets a liberally-sized windscreen, which should provide adequate protection against wind blast. The layout of the bike's twin headlights bears a passing resemblance to the older-generation Honda CBR600RR, but it could just be the angle of the shot that’s giving this impression. There’s also a massive tail light unit with a striking look that seems like it could give the bold design choice of the Bajaj Pulsar RS200’s tail light a run for its money.

From these as well as the earlier spy images, it is clear that the bike gets LED daytime running lights, as well as HID projector headlights, although it’s not known at this point whether LED headlights will be offered or not. Around the back, we can see the distinctive shape of the tail light that looks like an upside-down Omega symbol (or the Devil’s horns, as some of our colleagues have pointed out).Just like on the concept model, the final instrument cluster features a vertical design and is an all-digital affair. The bike does get clip-on handlebars; however, they seem to be mounted slightly tall. As is clear from one of the new spy images, the riding position is far from aggressive and might even be very conducive for long-distance touring.

Golden-coloured upside down forks are clearly visible up front and there’s a disc brake setup at both ends. The front disc appears to be a 290-300mm sized petal-type rotor with radially-mounted caliper, while the rear isn’t all that visible in the spy shots. In these new shots, an ABS ring isn’t visible on the brake rotors, but going by the spy images we’ve seen previously, the bike will be equipped with dual-channel ABS when it goes on sale. What is clear though is the fact that the Apache RR 310S is shod with Michelin Pilot Sport radials.

No mechanical details are known at this point except for the fact that the Apache RR 310S will get the same 313cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder motor from the BMW G310 R. While the peak power and torque outputs for the BMW stand at 34hp and 28Nm, respectively, there’s a strong possibility that the engine will be tuned differently for the RR 310S and might make slightly lower figures.

The TVS Apache RR 310S was originally slated for an early 2017 launch but that hasn’t happened as of yet and it has come to light that the bike may hit showrooms by the middle of this calendar year.

The collectors’ edition model is the most powerful road model that Jaguar has ever created; just 300 units planned globally.

Jaguar has revealed its more powerful road-going car yet – the XE SV Project 8. Developed by the company’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division, it is Jaguar’s second collectors’ edition model following the 2014 F-Type Project 7.

Like the Project 7, the XE SV will be hand-built at SVO’s technical centre in Coventry and it makes use of the same supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine. But in the XE SV, power has been ramped up to unprecedented levels, peaking at 600hp – around 24hp more than the aforementioned F-Type.The XE SV is all-wheel drive, rather than being rear-driven like the Project 7, and uses a specially tuned version of its eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.

Jaguar is yet to release official figures but it claims that the Project 8 is its most extreme model and will offer supercar-like performance. This suggests, it will beat the 3.5sec, 0-100kph time of Jaguar’s current, most accelerative road car, the all-wheel-drive F-Type SVR. This will edge the XE SV into the realms of hardcore machinery like the Porsche 911 GT3 and ahead of fellow limited-run track special, the BMW M4 GTS.

The Project 8, pictured wearing light camouflaging, has been developed at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Jaguar is yet to confirm the specifications of the car’s chassis setup, but the modifications applied to the Project 7 XE suggest SVO’s engineers will have almost certainly fitted firmer suspension and a faster steering rack to their new machine, lowering the car to improve high-speed composure and giving the quicker responses. It sits on lightweight wheels set at a wider track, illustrated by its bulging arches.

Matching its beefed-up underpinnings is a more aggressive exterior, with the XE SV gaining bespoke bodywork dominated up front by larger intakes and a spoiler on the bumper. At the back, it sports two pairs of exhaust tailpipes and the boot lid is adorned with a fixed rear wing, which generates genuine downforce.

The images do little to reveal what modifications have been made to the cabin, but significant weight-saving measures can be expected to help keep the SV’s mass down.

Jaguar has remained tight-lipped on when the car will arrive, but it’s expected to make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June where it’ll likely also be driven up the hill. When the Project 8 eventually makes production, it’ll do so as a limited-run model, with just 300 units planned globally – 50 more than the Project 7 – in left-hand drive only.

Previewing the reborn 8-series coupe, the concept will heavily influence the appearance of the next generation models from BMW.

BMW has unveiled its bold concept 8-series design study at the Concorso d’Eleganza, previewing the production 8-series coupe that is planned to return to the carmaker’s international line-up in 2018 - after an almost two-decade hiatus.

The comeback of the 8-series is part of what the company bosses describe as the biggest model offensive in BMW’s history. Speaking at the 8-series concept unveiling, BMW board member Ian Robertson said: "We want to bring more cars into the upper luxury segment. We have already announced we are in the development phase of the X7. We are working on other products as we feel there is a lot of opportunity there. The new 8-series is part of this. In the next couple of years, we will see the most comprehensive change in the history of BMW."

The concept boasts a traditional two-door layout and classically hinged boot at the rear. It flaunts a bold look that BMW says will heavily influence the appearance of the next-generation models from the German carmaker.

“It showcases a new approach to the use of forms, which is reflected particularly prominently in the surfacing,” says BMW design boss Adrian van Hooydonk, who describes the new coupe as a full-blooded driving machine. “Crisp lines mark out clear surfaces, and the volumes are powerfully sculptured.”

Speaking at the launch, van Hooydonk added: "It is more than just a concept car; it is a very big step in BMW design. It is the start of a new form of [design] language - cleaner surfaces, more emotion, more sophistication."

While the concept’s dimensions and overall form will be reflected on the production version of the new BMW coupe, van Hooydonk acknowledges various elements and cues will be altered before it enters showrooms.

A number of characteristic BMW concept car flourishes, such as the oversized kidney grille, thin-line laser projector-touting headlamps, exaggerated air breather elements behind the front wheel arches and within the rear bumper and OLED imbued L-shaped tail lamps have all been altered with a more conservative appearance for the production version of the new 8-series.

Built on BMW’s latest rear-wheel-drive platform, the so-called CLAR (cluster architecture) structure, the new 8-series receives its own unique wheelbase and track widths to provide it with a suitably low and hunkered down stance reminiscent of the first-generation model. The 21-inch wheels will be retained as an option on the production car, according to BMW.

Among the hi-tech chassis features set to appear on standard versions of the new range-topping BMW is a double wishbone (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension with constantly variable air springs all around as well as an integral rear steer function aimed at providing it with class-leading agility. The car also adopts the lightweight construction initiatives found on the existing 7-series.

Alongside standard rear-wheel-drive versions of the new 8-series, BMW also plans a limited number of four-wheel drive xDrive models. BMW is holding back on details to the drivelines it plans to make available in the new 8-series, though it is expected to feature up to three standard front, longitudinally-mounted petrol units.

Recent trademark applications hint at a likely entry-level 840i model running a turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder, an 850i with a turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, and an M860i xDrive M Performance fitted with the same turbocharged 6.6-litre V12 that powers the M760Li xDrive. Also under consideration is an 840e plug-in hybrid model using the same petrol-electric powertrain seen in the 740e iPerformance.Set to challenge the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-class coupe at the very top of BMW’s current 12-model-strong international line-up, the reborn 8-series will indirectly replace the existing third-generation 6-series, which is due to cease production in coupe and convertible guises after being superseded by a new fourth-generation liftback model in the form of the upcoming 6-series GT later this year.

Alongside the bullish coupe variant of the new model previewed by the 8-series concept, BMW also has plans for a plush open-top version of its new range-topping two-door. Set for an international launch in 2019, it eschews the folding hardtop arrangement favoured by BMW for its convertible models in recent years for an automatic multi-layer fabric hood.

Motorcycle enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to in 2017. We take you through the list of expected launches.

Husqvarna Vitpilen 401

At the Milan motorcycle show (EICMA) in 2016, Husqvarna showed off the production versions of the KTM 390-based Vitpilen and Svartpilen 401. We reported that the production of these bikes had started at the Bajaj plant a little while back, and we expect the road-oriented Vitpilen to be launched in India later in 2017.

The Vitpilen is the cafe racer version of the 401 and shares its mechanical components with the KTM 390 Duke. It is powered by the same 43.5hp 373cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor, which is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It also gets the new trellis frame (with its bolt-on sub frame) from the 2017 KTM Duke 390. The front gets a 43mm WP upside down fork and the rear, a WP monoshock --the same fare as the KTM. And even the Bybre brakes are carried over with the front getting a 320mm disc with 4-piston radial caliper, while the rear makes due with a 230mm disc and a single piston caliper. Bosch's 9.11MB dual channel ABS is standard as well.

Visually, however, this bike deviates quite dramatically from the Duke, sporting a chunky fuel tank with a short seat. The short seat design is achieved by using a much shorter sub-frame compared to the KTMs. Other Husqvarna design touches include a distinctive round headlight and round instrument cluster. True to its cafe racer styling, the Vitpilen gets low-slung clip-on handlebars, and its 17" wire spoke wheels are shod with road-going tyres.

The successful mid-displacement street-naked segment is sure to heat up with the arrival of BMW Motorrad’s G310 R. BMW has played it safe with the styling of the G310 R and strayed away from the general quirkiness that can be seen on its bigger displacement models. The KTM Duke 390 will finally have some competition in this segment. BMW also plans to follow KTM’s 'Make in India' policy and manufacture the G310 R here in collaboration with TVS and then export it to other countries.

The G310 R will come armed with a 313cc, single-cylinder engine with twin overhead camshafts that puts down 33.6hp of power, and weighs just 158kg. Of course, figure-wise, this doesn’t seem to stray into the 390 Duke territory except for the price point of Rs 2.2 lakh. But the fresh engine layout should make things quite interesting; the G310 R will come with a reversed-cylinder design that slopes towards the rear wheel, instead of the conventional engine layout. This would allow for a more compact motorcycle with more evenly distributed weight and a lower centre of gravity. The upside of this layout creates space for a longer rear swing-arm, while keeping the wheelbase relatively short to make it a more manoeuvrable motorcycle.

If BMW manages to replicate the same levels of refinement and finish found on the larger displacement motorcycles, we can expect the G310 R to be a great all-round. It is set to get 41mm USD forks up front, a mono-shock at the rear, and a 300mm disc with a four-piston caliper at the front. That’s plenty of motorcycle for the price.

BMW finally took the wraps off the adventure-touring version of the naked G310R at EICMA 2016. Like its naked sibling, the G310 GS has been developed by BMW Motorrad in Germany and will be built at TVS's plant in Hosur, India. The company plans to launch the G310 R first, sometime in March 2017, which will pave the way for the G310 GS model that will follow a few months down the line.

The baby GS inherits its family styling, with the stubby front beak, radiator shrouds, headlamp cowl and tank design. It gets a tubular steel frame, and cast five-spoke wheels. It is powered by a 313cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine, with four valves and a reversed DOHC cylinder head. It gets a six-speed manual transmission that will be tweaked to suit its adventure-touring nature. The engine will churn out 34hp of power and 28Nm of torque. At 169.5kg, ready to ride, it's not the lightest dual-purpose out there, but it won't be particularly heavy either.

It gets gold, upside-down 41mm forks, which have 49mm more travel than the G310R’s. However, it is non-adjustable, while the rear monoshock does boast adjustable preload. ABS will come as standard, as well as a decently-equipped LCD dash. In addition, it will also have a host of official accessories to choose from, including 12-volt power sockets, heated grips, two seat-height options (820mm and 850mm), luggage kits, a centre stand, satellite navigation and smartphone solutions.

This will be the first fully-faired motorcycle to be produced by TVS and is expected to hit showrooms towards the middle of 2017. It was first showed off as concept at the Auto Expo 2016 and was called the Akula 310. This bike displayed all the tell tale signs of being an extremely track-focused machine. Obviously, the production machine does not come equipped with the carbon-fibre body panels that were in the concept, but the design cues are expected to be carried over fairly unchanged, as have been observed in the spy pictures of the bike caught testing.

The RTR 300 will sport a powerplant that was jointly developed with BMW Motorrad. It’s the same 313cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 33.6hp, which will power the BMW G310 R. The G310 R will be launched first in India, followed by the Akula 310. The bike will come equipped with USD forks upfront and a monoshock at the rear, which the spy pics can attest to. The concept model sported some high-tech kit such as a steering-damper, but this will not make it to the production bike.

Judging by the other motorcycles in the TVS stable, we can expect the Apache RTR 300 to arrive with the same levels of refinement as other models, the bonus being its track-focus. The KTM RC 390 should finally have some single-cylinder competition, but we are yet to see how the RTR 300 matches up in performance.

Expected launch date: Q4 2017Expected price: Rs 2.2 lakh

Ducati Multistrada 950

The premium adventure touring bike market in India has been picking up quite a bit over the last couple of years. One just needs to look at the popularity of a certain 800cc, three-cylinder adventure tourer from a famous British marque to see that paradigm shift in the hearts and minds of “big bike” buyers. Ducati’s offering of this nature, the Multistrada 1200, though an extremely capable motorcycle, has been a bit out of reach for a lot of riders thanks to not only its price, but also because all but the most experienced riders found the size and power of the 1200 a bit intimidating. Ducati’s latest Multistrada that premiered at EICMA 2016, the 950, is supposed to provide that easier-to-ride, yet premium experience. And, according to sources, this bike is slated to come to India by July to September 2017.

Powering this new bike is the 937cc version of Ducati's Testastretta 11-degree V-twin motor that's good for 113hp of power and a peak torque of 96Nm. However, in order to aid riding, over 80 percent of this engine's torque is available between 3,500 and 9,500rpm. This should really make it easy when riding the bike off the road standing on the pegs, where continuously shifting gears isn't easily possible. The Multistrada 950 is equipped with fully adjustable suspension at both ends, with 170mm of travel at both front and rear. While the bike comes with alloy wheels (19-inch at the front, 17-inch at the rear) as standard, in order to make it easier to switch to wire-spoke wheels, the single-sided swingarm from the 1200 has been swapped for a new double-sided one. And to ensure solid braking, the front is equipped with twin 320mm discs with Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers.

In terms of ergonomics, the seat has been borrowed from the larger Multistrada Enduro and has a height of 840mm by default, but it can be swapped for optional seats with heights varying from 820 to 860mm. There's also a Multistrada-style grab handle that allows for the mounting of both plastic or aluminium panniers. The cockpit gets new switchgear along with a full-LCD dashboard that's compatible with the Ducati Multimedia system. The Multistrada 950 gets a fairly large 20-litre fuel tank to help in long-distance riding, and Ducati claims a wet weight (no fuel) of 214kg.

Benelli first showed off the BX 250 Motard in India at the 2016 Auto Expo as a potentially India-bound motorcycle. Fast forward to a little over a year and now we have an indication that this bike is all set to hit our shores sometime in 2017. This BX 250 is powered by a 250cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine which it will share with the TNT25. This means that we can expect power output on the lines of 25-28hp, depending on what tune DSK Benelli decides to go with for the bike. Now while that might not seem like a lot of power, the fact that it weighs a scant 132kg should ensure some peppy performance.

The BX 250 also gets a steel tubular frame with chunky looking upside down forks up front. The rear gets a linked monoshock setup. Based on the images of the bike, it looks like it has ample ground clearance and suspension travel. The bike also gets an upright riding position and its ‘motard’ setup should be an absolute boon on the appalling state of roads in India. However, this is not to be confused with an adventure touring bike such as the Royal Enfield Himalayan or the upcoming KTM 390 Adventure. The BX 250 gets 17” alloy wheels at both ends and street tyres, which will limit any riding shenanigans to the tarmac unless one swaps out the wheels and tyres to more off-road suitable ones.

The BX 250 is on the cards for India for a launch sometime by the end of the year.

Expected launch date: Q4 2017Expected price: Rs 2.5 lakh

Ducati Scramblers (Desert Sled/Cafe Racer)

When Ducati introduced the Scrambler in India back in 2015, it formed the perfect stepping stone for riders to graduate from smaller bikes on to bigger ones. The Scrambler has enjoyed a fair amount of success in India since its launch and the latest two versions of the bike introduced at EICMA 2016, the Café Racer and the Desert Sled, should make their way to India mid-2017.

The Scrambler Cafe Racer doesn't deviate mechanically from the base bike and maintains the same frame, engine and even the fuel tank. What have changed are the handlebars, with this bike featuring low-slung clip-ons, along with bar-end mounted mirrors. To add to the leaned-over posture, there's also a new cafe racer seat with a passenger cover. Minimalism is the mantra with this cafe racer as it gets a tiny fairing behind its single instrument pod as well as a short front mudguard. Both wheels are now the same size -- 17" -- and sport Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres (a far cry from the on-off road tyres from the standard Scrambler), which is another big change. Keeping in line with the whole "racer" part of its new moniker, the bike gets a radial front brake pump to increase braking performance. Some new details include a new logo on the tank, a black engine with brushed fins and a black anodised aluminium cover over the Termignoni exhaust.

While the Scrambler has always hinted at a bit of off-road pedigree, none of the models so far have really delivered on the promise of mixing it up in the dirt, until now that is. This new Scrambler Desert Sled packs a whole lot of changes to make it extremely capable on the rough stuff. This includes a completely reinforced chassis along with fully-adjustable long-stroke suspension at both ends, offering 200mm of wheel travel at front and rear. The wheels are now 19"-17" (front-rear) rugged wire-spoke units and are shod with specially designed Scorpion Rally STR on-off road tyres. There's also a new tougher aluminium swingarm to handle riding on loose surfaces. To help with better control when mixing it up in the dirt, this Scrambler gets a flatter seat which now sports a height of 860mm. These apart, the Desert Sled gets a raised front fender, a new stronger handlebar with a crossbar, as well as a safety grille on the headlight.

While the Ducati Monster 821 is a brilliant motorcycle, having a Monster at a more affordable price should work to the company’s favour. Originally the Monster 696 formed the entry point for many riders into the world of Ducati motorcycles, internationally at least. But getting that bike to India was a difficult prospect thanks to import laws prohibiting companies from bringing in bikes under 800cc. With the 696 discontinued, and promptly replaced by the new Monster 797 with its 803cc V-twin engine at EICMA 2016, we believe that Ducati will be able to bring this new bike to India some time in 2017. And even though it was designed as a "first Ducati" for younger riders, it is unmistakably a Monster in every regard, offering a properly sporty riding experience.

Under the bike's distinct red steel-tubular trellis frame rests an air-cooled 803cc V-twin motor from the Scrambler that makes 75hp of peak power and 68.6Nm of peak torque. The motor sends drive to the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox with an APTC slipper-style clutch. Ducati claims a wet weight (without fuel) of 182kg, which combined with a wheelbase measuring 1,435mm, should make this baby Monster a nifty handler. Even the 805mm seat height should be fairly comfortable for riders of various sizes. Ducati's aim with this bike was to make a Monster that wasn't too aggressive or intimidating to ride. To assist the bike's handling, it gets 43mm upside down forks upfront as well as a preload and rebound adjustable monoshock at the back. The 17-inch alloy wheels are shod with Pirelli Rosso Diablo II tyres at both ends – 120/70 at the front and 180/55 at the rear. Braking duties are handled by twin 320mm discs with Brembo M4.32 monobloc calipers on the front wheel while the rear gets a single 245mm disc.

On the design front, this bike gets the same headlight and 16.5-litre fuel tank as its larger sibling. The headlight gets LED position lights and the tail-light is also equipped with LEDs. The instrument cluster is a full-LCD unit, but doesn't get the full-colour TFT treatment like the Monster 1200. However, it is compatible with the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS). For convenience sake, there is also a USB charger located under the seat. Ducati is also going to offer the Monster 797 in a "Plus" version that will get a micro windshield and a rear seat cowl.

The Benelli 302 R was showcased alongside the TRK 502 at EICMA 2015 in Italy, as well as at IBW 2016, Goa. In essence, it is the faired sibling of the TNT 300. But look closer and the Tornado 302 has plenty of differences, including in the design. Obviously, there is an aerodynamic front fairing, but you can see the crisper lines of the tank as well. The tank capacity has been reduced by two litres to 14 litres, as compared to the TNT 300. We recently rode the pre-production version of the Benelli 302 R and were suitably impressed. The production version will sport slightly different graphics and some subtle changes around the bike.

It also sports a steel trellis frame that differs significantly from the TNT 300; most notably, the side-mounted rear shock absorber moves to a more conventional position under the seat. Also, the rear swingarm isn’t a twin-tube design, opting for a lighter and more rigid setup. It will be equipped with 260mm twin discs at the front and a single 240mm disc at the rear, along with 41mm USD forks up front and a monoshock setup at the rear. ABS will come as a standard feature on the Tornado 302. The bike's 17-inch wheels will be shod with sticky Metzeler tyres.

However, when it comes to the engine you can expect a familiar package – 300cc, inline-twin-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine that churns out about 35hp of power and about 27Nm of torque mated to a six-speed gearbox. Competition in this segment will comprise more powerful twin-cylinder bikes, namely the Yamaha R3 and the Kawasaki Ninja 300.

There’s been a lot of hype around the adventure-motorcycling segment of late. Benelli had first showcased the TRK 502 at EICMA 2015 in Milan, Italy, and now we are inching closer to seeing this motorcycle available at showrooms here. It sports that typical adventure-motorcycle look with its large, beaked front-fairing and tall stance.

The TRK 502 will come equipped with a 499cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine that churns out 46.9hp of power and about 45Nm of torque. Besides these figures being quite appropriate for our Indian riding conditions, the TRK 502 will also be available in two different setups. There will be one road-oriented model with 17-inch rims at the front and rear, and one model equipped with a 19-inch rim upfront to assist in off-road duties. ABS will come as standard on both models.

This mid-segment adventure tourer comes equipped with a 20-litre tank and a reasonable seat height of 815mm. Weighing 210kg, this motorcycle however is a bit heavier. With its spacious ergonomics, on- and off-road tyres, generous suspension travel and capability of carrying luggage, the TRK 502 would be ideal for long-distance adventure touring. If this motorcycle falls in the expected price range of Rs 4-4.5 lakh, it would definitely be something to look forward to.

Expected launch date: Q3 2017Expected price: Rs 5.5 lakh

DSK Benelli Leoncino

The Leoncino is Benelli’s version of a retro-styled scrambler that could make its way to India late in 2016. This model wasn’t unveiled at Auto Expo 2016, instead it was displayed at EICMA 2015 in Milan, Italy, with hints that it would make its way to India in the latter part of 2017.

The name ‘Leoncino’ means lion cub in Italian and can be traced back to Benelli’s small, light motorcycles from the 1950s. Despite its suave retro-styling, this motorcycle is completely modern. The front fender proudly displays a figure of the 'Lion of Pesaro', while the rest of the motorcycle designed with emphasis on the personality of a baby lion. It sports minimal bodywork, with a nice, flowing tank and a neat tail section.

The Leoncino will come with a steel-trellis frame that houses an all-new 500cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces about 44hp of peak power and 45Nm of torque. It will come equipped with beefy 50mm USD front suspension that houses 320mm twin discs with four-piston calipers. The rear gets a laterally-mounted shock absorber (a modern Benelli trademark) and a 260mm single disc with two-pot calipers.

Hinting at its off-road capability are the large 19-inch rim upfront and a 17-inch one at the rear, shod with knobbly tyres. This is one motorcycle that shows a lot of promise in the fun department and we can only hope it gets here sooner.

Expected launch date: Q4 2017Expected price: Rs 4.5 lakh

Hero 125cc scooter

The 125cc scooter market in India has seen a fair bit of growth in recent years with buyers increasingly choosing the higher engine capacity over the popular 100-110cc fare. Scooters like the Suzuki Access 125 and the Honda Activa have garnered decent sales figures and this nascent segment is set to grow even further. So it’s no wonder that even Hero MotoCorp wants to get a piece of that action. News has it that the company is working on its own version of a 125cc scooter which should arrive sometime this year.

This, of course, is not the first time that Hero has discussed a 125cc scooter. Back in the 2014 Auto Expo, the company had showed off a concept scooter called the Dare which was powered by a 125cc motor. At this point, however, there is absolutely no information on the scooter apart from the fact that the boffins at Hero’s CIT (Centre of Innovation and Technology) in Jaipur are hard at work getting it ready. But the Dare concept should be a good indication of what this scooter will be like. We expect that this scooter will hit the company’s showrooms in India by the end of the year.

Expected launch date: Q4 2017Expected price: Rs 60,000

Tork Motorcycles T6X

Electric is the future, and the future is finally here. Tork Motorcycle, a Pune-based firm, is set to launch an electric motorcycle T6X that seems to tick all the right boxes. It will also be the first electric motorcycle to be manufactured and sold in India. Founded by mechanical engineer Kapil Shelke, his passion for racing has seen Tork Motorcycle participate in professional racing, including events like the coveted Isle of Man's TTXGP (electric motorcycle class) to the TT Zero Race. The Tork racing motorcycle even secured a podium on its debut appearance at the Isle of Man.

With the T6X, Tork plans to cater to the 125cc commuter bike buyers who are looking for something more premium. While the bike is expected to cost more than its immediate competition, the company claims that the lower running costs of the bike (a full recharge costs Rs 10-20) means that the additional expenses incurred will be easily recovered within a year of purchase.

Two charging stations have already been installed in Pune, and the company aims to set up a total of 100 stations by the time the bike is launched in the city. The company is working on a similar plan for other cities too, which is expected to be completed within a year of the bike's launch. The T6X is expected to deliver a maximum range of over 100km on a single charge, while top-speed has been limited to 85kph. Its Li-ion battery can reach 80 percent charge in one hour when plugged into a 15A source, and will attain full charge in two hours. It gets bespoke tyres developed by Ceat and features regenerative braking that charges the bike’s batteries upon decelerating. The bike is already ABS compatible, but initial models will make do without the safety feature.

The highlight of the T6X is its connectivity features. It will get a display with navigation and a Mirror Link-like interface which is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The bike was officially unveiled in October 2016 and Tork plans to launch the T6X early 2017.

Expected Launch Date: Q3 2017Expected Price: Rs1.25 lakh

Kawasaki Versys-X 300

With such a vast and varied landscape in India, it’s about time manufacturers brought down some practical motorcycles that made these parts of the country accessible. After BMW, Honda and Suzuki unveiled their versions of small adventure tourers at EICMA 2016, Kawasaki decided to jump into the bandwagon with the Versys-X 300. The Versys family from Kawasaki will see a new addition to its adventure line-up. This new baby Versys will slot into the smaller end of the capacity range, with its older siblings already being a rather potent lot.

The Versys-X 300 shares its DOHC liquid-cooled 296cc parallel twin-engine platform with the Ninja 300 that puts down 39hp of maximum power and 27Nm of maximum torque. However, this engine will be wrapped in an all-new chassis with all-new body work. The seat looks plush and comfortable, and appears to have a very ‘sit-in’ riding position. This is complimented by the wide handlebars and a stubby but high windscreen.

Suspension duties are taken care of by a long-travel 41mm telescopic fork upfront and a Uni-Trak gas-charged monoshock at the rear, which should be more than sufficient for bad or dirt-road conditions. The instrument cluster offers a large analogue tachometer supported by two LCD screens that contain a digital gear indicator, dual trip-meters, distance to empty, current and average fuel consumption and eco-riding indicators.

There will be two accessory editions available besides the standard Versys-X. The Versys-X 300 Urban will have a tank pad, hand guards, a centre-stand and a 30-litre topbox, while the Versys-X 300 Adventure will come shod with a tank pad, tubular engine guard, a centre-stand and two 17-litre panniers. But we can expect these accessory additions to appear in India a little after the launch of the standard model.

Another Italian manufacturer known for its absolutely stunning designs, MV Agusta now has plans to release the Brutale 800 in India. It launched the F3, F4 and larger sibling of the Brutale 800, the Brutale 1090 earlier this year, which were available through the Motoroyale dealerships. The Brutale 800 was initially supposed to be launched towards the end of 2016, but plans have now been pushed towards the beginning of 2017.

The exposed steel-trellis frame, the flat elliptical headlight, the triple-end exhaust and the well-chiselled, muscular tank give it the brutal good looks that it derives its name from. The Brutale 800 will be brought to India as a CKD and assembled at the Kinetic Group’s plant in Pune.Having ridden the Brutale 800 earlier, I can safely say that this model is definitely one for the enthusiasts. It will come equipped with a 798cc, in-line three-cylinder engine with a counter-rotating crankshaft that puts down about 116 horses and 83Nm of torque. The power delivery feels aggressive and towards the redline even up to the third gear it tends to send the front-end skyward.

The 43mm Marzocchi fork does a wonderful job of keeping things precise, while the rear Sachs shock absorber feels a little harsh going over bumps in a fast bend and tends to get the rear unsettled. Stopping power comes from the 320mm twin discs at the front and a 220mm one at the rear.

The Brutale 800 will be priced around Rs 13 lakh, making it the most affordable model in the MV Agusta range for India.

Expected launch date: Q2 2017Expected price: Rs 13 lakh

Yamaha NMAX

Here's a good reason for scooter aficionados to rejoice. The NMAX was displayed at the Auto Expo in Noida, earlier this year. Yamaha plans to bring this stylish-looking maxi-scooter to India by the third quarter of 2017. It’s been available in Europe and Indonesia for a while now, and will now make its way to Indian shores.

Besides looking suave, this scooter from Yamaha comes equipped with a 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that uses Variable Valve Timing (VVT). It will also come with ABS and 13-inch tyres. Its small size, low weight and high-rigidity frame will ensure that this scooter is a sharp handler. If the NMAX comes to India with the same specifications as its Indonesian counterpart, it could command a price tag of around Rs 1 lakh.

Expected launch date: Q3 2017Expected price: Rs 1 lakh

Honda PCX 150

The second maxi-scooter on this list, the Honda PCX 150, gathered its fair share of admirers at the Auto Expo earlier this year. The otherwise conservative HMSI broke this stereotype earlier this year when it launched the rather quirky Navi. It’s now time for another fun commuter from Honda to make its way into the Indian motorcycling scene, the PCX 150.

The PCX 150 is powered by a 153cc, low-friction, liquid-cooled engine that is fuel injected, and should have more than enough pep to make commuting quite a fun affair. It produces a peak power output of 13.3hp and peak torque of 13.7Nm. Its sleek design is reminiscent of the ‘Euro-scooter’ styling and it comes equipped with 14-inch rims that are significantly larger when compared to other scooters.

The PCX 150 even comes equipped with a 12-volt accessory adapter for charging personal electronic devices. There has been no exact confirmation on a launch date but sources close to the company say it can be expected in India somewhere around mid-July 2016.

Expected launch date: Q3 2017Expected price: Rs 1 lakh

Vespa GTS 300

The Vespa GTS 300 was on display at the India Bike Week in Goa in early 2016 and should be making its appearance sometime near the end of 2017. As always, more power equals to more fun, so we can expect the 278cc engine on this scooter to provide loads of it.

This 278cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine is based on the QUASAR engine platform and churns out about 22hp of peak power and 22.3Nm of peak torque. To keep this power in check, the GTS 300 will be equipped with an array of electronics that could give some larger displacement motorcycles a complex; this includes ASR traction control and a two-channel ABS system. There will be a multimedia platform that can be accessed via an app on your phone that provides data about the trip and diagnostic readouts of the scooter.

The GTS 300 will come with an all-steel-body that Piaggio suggests, helps with the high-speed stability of the scooter. The ride quality should also be significantly good and this is thanks to a single-sided hydraulic shock-absorber up front and a twin-shock setup at the rear. Stopping power will come from 220mm discs at the front and rear that should really help keep the claimed top speed of 128kph in check.

With its typical Italian scooter styling and larger displacement engine (for a scooter), the Vespa GTS 300 will definitely be a hoot to ride. What will be slightly disheartening is the price which should be somewhere around Rs 5 lakh.

Expected launch date: Q4 2017Expected price: Rs 5 lakh

Triumph Street Triple 765 S/R/RS

For 2017, Triumph has updated its third-gen Street Triples. It is slated to hit the market soon. We just loved how much of a well-rounded and intuitive motorcycle the older model was.

The first thing you notice on the 2017 Street Triple is its slightly more purposeful stance. Gone is that bug-eyed, lovable face that we had gotten so used to seeing, and the new model has a slightly more sinister aura around it.

The highlight of the RS model is its electronics package. This highly extensive and customisable electronics suite is really going to change what's expected from a middle-weight naked motorcycle. It gets five riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Track and a programmable Rider mode) which get different throttle maps and varying levels of traction control. Even the amount of ABS intervention can be tuned as per your liking. So, it will cater to a wide range of riders with varying levels of skill and confidence.

The engine is derived from the Daytona's 675cc inline-triple but gets a bump of about 90cc and is now 765cc. This obviously results in an increase in power and torque, but nothing unmanageable. Although it puts out 123hp now, this engine is as user-friendly as before and encourages you to really wring that throttle open if the situation permits. The level of crispness and responsiveness delivered via the ride-by-wire throttle in Sport and Track mode is spot on.

The second-gen Street Triple was a lovely motorcycle, but this third-gen RS version is a game changer. The levels of agility, overall friendliness and electronics package are sure to make this a great motorcycle. It will make its way to India via a CKD route, so we can expect rather competitive pricing. However, India will first get the S and R versions, which will be followed by the sportier RS version.

Expected launch date: Q2 2017

KTM 390 Adventure

This is probably the most anticipated bike for the Indian market. Enthusiasts have been raving about getting an adventure version of the KTM 390 platform for the past few years and recent spy images of the bike have confirmed its existence. Not only that, Rajiv Bajaj himself revealed at a press conference that the bike’s design has already been finalised and we estimate it to actually come to India by the end of the year.

There are, of course, no official details about the bike at this point. But it's believed that it will be powered by the same 373cc, single-cylinder engine found on the RC and the Duke 390s. Also, it could utilise a revised version of the new two-piece trellis frame that will debut in the upcoming Dukes. However, based on the bike's intended function and spy images, this frame will likely be used in conjunction with beefier components like a sturdy box-frame swingarm, a different head-stock, wire-spoke wheels (in a 19"-17" configuration) and more suspension travel to handle off-road duties. Keeping in line with the bike's go-anywhere ability, also expect it to feature a strong skid plate under the engine as well as a high-mounted exhaust.

Expected launch date: late 2017Expected price: Rs 3.0 lakh

SWM Gran Milano 440

SWM is a small Italian bike brand that will be brought to India by Kinetic Motorcycles’ Motoroyale division. SWM will start with three motorcycles in India. With retro-styled motorcycles becoming all the rage right now, its Gran Milano 440 could be an interesting proposition for the Indian market.It is powered by a 445.3cc, single-cylinder, four-valve, SOHC, four-stroke, air- and oil-cooled motor that produces 29.9hp of power, and 36Nm of torque. In terms of dimensions, it gets a 1,416mm wheelbase, 2,082mm length, 724mm width, and 1,110mm height. The seat height is a decent 813mm and it gets 183mm of ground clearance. It weighs in at 145kg. This motorcycle will make its way to India via a CKD route; we expect the pricing to be competitive, in the Rs 2.5-3.5 lakh range.

Royal Enfield Continental GT 750

The fact that Royal Enfield has been working on a 750cc parallel twin-motor has been known for quite a while when spy images of a Continental GT test mule sporting the engine was spotted in the UK in 2016. However, very recently, what looked like the production version of the Continental GT 750 was also spotted, leading us to believe that this 750cc motor will make its debut in café racer form.

This 750cc air-cooled, parallel-twin engine on the Continental GT gets a two-into-two exhaust. It maintains most of the styling cues and mechanical bits of the Continental GT series, modified suitably to accommodate the larger engine. While the original test mule seemed to be fitted with carburettors, the latest one is likely to be fuel-injected, considering that the final bike – when launched in India and the UK – will have to comply with the more stringent BS-IV and Euro-IV norms, respectively.

The spy images reveal a few other changes as compared to the current 535cc Continental GT, such as the more traditional stalk-mounted mirrors and a longer wheelbase.

Expected launch date: late 2017Expected price: Rs 4.0 lakh

Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0

Yamaha was the first company to really set the ball of small-capacity, affordable supersport bikes rolling in India with the launch of the YZF-R15. The original bike carved out a niche for itself in the market quite easily but was later overtaken by stiff competition. Yamaha tried to correct this with the R15 v2.0. However, barring interest from ardent fans, its numbers haven’t been able to keep up with some of the other performance bikes which have been launched since.

The V3.0 of the R15 certainly looks a lot more interesting and gets a host of upgrades which should keep the bike relevant going forward. Apart from the sharpened design, which pays homage to the previous generation R6 and the current-gen R3, it also gets a brand new motor. The engine is a 155cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected unit with a wider bore and higher compression ratio compared to the 149cc unit from the current R15. The power output is 19.3hp at 10,000rpm and peak torque is 14.7Nm at 8,500rpm. It also gets Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation Technology which should improve torque at lower rpm and improve power delivery as the revs climb.

The R15 V3.0 will, as before, be built on a steel twin-par frame, with a newly-designed aluminium swingarm. It also gets upside-down telescopic forks up front and a swingarm-mounted monoshock at the rear. The bike revealed in Indonesia was fitted with a 100/80-17MC 52P tyre and 282mm disc brake in the front and a 140/70-17MC 66S tyre and 220mm disc brake round the back.

Expected launch date: Q3 2017Expected price: Rs 1.5 lakh

SWM Superdual T/X

Another segment gathering steady momentum in India right now is the Adventure Tourer segment, which explains why SWM will also get the Superdual T/X here. It gets a 600cc, single-cylinder, four-valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled motor that makes a healthy 57hp of peak power, although SWM also offers a lesser power version that makes 47.5hp. This motor is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

It has a dual-cradle frame made of steel pipes with a lightweight alloy subframe. In the front, the Superdual gets chunky 45mm upside-down forks which offer rebound adjustment, while at the rear, the bike is suspended on a Sachs monoshock which is fully adjustable for preload, compression, as well as rebound. Suspension travel is a plentiful 210mm at the front and 270mm at the rear, making it ideal at handling bumpy and broken roads.

It also offers a fair amount of ground clearance at 180mm, however, that does make the saddle height extremely tall at 898mm, even besting that of a lot of full-sized adventure touring bikes. Overall length, width and height are 2,240mm, 905mm and 1,240mm, respectively, while wheelbase is 1,510mm. Dry weight is kept to a fairly light 169kg and the Superdual gets an 18-litre fuel tank.

The T version gets 19-inch front and the 17-inch rear wire-spoke wheels, while the X version gets 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wire-spoke ones. Braking comes via a single 300mm disc at the front and a 22mm disc at the rear. Both front and rear brake calipers are floating type and equipped with off-road ABS.

This is a motorcycle that could show a lot of promise for the Indian market if Motoroyale gets the pricing right. So far it has been mentioned that this bike could be priced under Rs 5.5 lakh. If that is the case or Motoroyale manages to price it even lower, this motorcycle has the potential to sell in India.

SWM Silver Vase

The Silver Vase is a retro scrambler-type motorcycle made by SWM and based on the same 440 platform as the Gran Milano. It is powered by the same 445.3cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, four-stroke, air- and oil-cooled engine that the Gran Milano gets. With electronic fuel injection, this short-stroke motor makes 29.9hp of peak power. Drive is sent to the rear wheel through a five-speed manual gearbox.

The Silver Vase is a fairly compact motorcycle that’s 2,142mm in length, 1,170mm in height and has a maximum width of 813mm. Wheelbase is a relatively tight 1,441mm. At 191mm, it offers ample ground clearance, yet still manages to keep saddle height at a fairly low 820mm. It has a dry weight of just 151kg and, just like the Gran Milano, offers a massive fuel tank with 23.5 litres of capacity.

The Silver Vase’s frame is single-tube double-cradle, made from high-strength steel, and sports 43mm conventional telescopic forks up front and dual shock absorbers at the back. Wheel travel is 125mm and 99mm at the front and back, respectively.

It gets a single 260mm disc brake at the front and a 220mm disc at the back, which are made in China. It does miss out on the larger brakes from Brembo that are seen on the Gran Milano; this is quite evident and these brakes really do fall short. Wheel sizes are 19-inch and 17-inch at the front and rear, respectively, and the Silver Vase is equipped with 100/90 and 130/80 size tyres.

The Gixxer Cup will be held across four rounds from June 4-25; second run for Red Bull Road to Rookies.

JK Tyre is rejigging its motorsport commitments in India. After having opted out of the Rotax National Karting Championship earlier this year, it has taken up the title sponsorship for the 2017 Suzuki Gixxer Cup which was erstwhile held under the MRF’s National Racing Championship (NRC) until 2016. The Cup has four rounds this year, held at Bengaluru (4th June), Aizwal (10th June), Pune (18th June) and Delhi NCR (25th June).In addition to the Gixxer cup being part of the JK Tyre NRC, 2017 (which also runs the LGB Formula 4, the Indian Touring Car and the Euro 16 series) will mark the second year of the Road to Rookies Cup (RTRC) in India. A bid to foster and train young racing talent, RTRC runs as a support race to the Gixxer Cup novice category and comprises racers aged 13-17. The winner of Road to Rookies gets a wild-card entry into the Redbull MotoGP Rookies Cup, which is raced on 250cc, Moto3 spec bikes.

Last year, Sachin Chaudhari from Ahmedabad was India’s entrant into the Redbull Rookies Cup qualifiers, which was held in Spain. We hope to see many more young Indian racers getting a shot at international racing in the coming years. Courtesy : Autocar